Statement by the spokespersons of the President of the European CouncilHerman Van Rompuyon the press reports of US surveillance of EU premises

The spokespersons of Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, issued the following statement today:

"The President of the European Council is very concerned by the press reports with allegations of U.S. surveillance of EU premises abroad and in Brussels. The European Union, including through its External Action Service, is examining the allegations and in contact with U.S. authorities

The European Union has demanded and expects full and urgent clarification by the U.S. regarding the allegations. The President of the European Council takes note of the remarks today by U.S. President Barack Obama and his commitment to make sure to provide all the information that U.S. allies want and what exactly the allegations have been."